Shop Talk

A party supplies store that has operated in Berkeley for 41 years across several locations is closing, but not before a blow-out sale; meanwhile there’s a new rock-n’-roll school in town.

This week: A decades old College Avenue store that took over from a gun shop is consolidating; candies pop up for the holidays; and a co-working/events space has opened in West Berkeley.

The downtown Staples is closing; Berkeley Vacuum has a new home; new arrivals include a fashion school, a kids’ clothing store, a replacement for OSH and a career mentoring retreat workshops company.

Comcast exits downtown; the owners of a downtown laundromat cite rent hikes and chronic problems with homeless individuals as reasons for closing down; new spot for Mr. Mopps’ bookstore; a new hair salon in SW Berkeley.

Three new businesses — offering clothing, real estate and health products — have opened, plus good-bye to a San Pablo boutique.

Two long-established businesses are closing, but bibliophiles will rush to the pop-up sale of remaining stock at Turtle Island Book Shop.

One store is downsizing, one is moving, and one is threatened with eviction.

Catch up on all the latest local business news.